CHRISTIAN ATTITUDE TO CUSTOMS AND
TRADITIONS, FESTIVALS AND FASHIONS
by Ven Dr I. U. Ibeme http://priscaquila.6te.net ; http://www.scribd.com/ifeogo ;
Click Here For PriscAquila Christian Resource Centre
Comment on The Chapel of Grace Blog: http://thechapelofgrace.wordpress.com
CULTURE
Customs and traditions, festivals and fashions
worldviews and beliefs, trends and tendencies
belong to CULTURE. Cultures are either way of life
under the leading of the Holy Spirit or way of life
under the Prince of the power of the air (Eph 2:1-3).
Christian culture or way of living is distinctly the
product of the renewed mind (Rom 12:2). While the
Culture of the Israelites is the product of hardened
minds (Eze 3:7; Zec 7:11-12; Heb 3:15), those of the
Gentiles are the products of both hardened and
darkened minds (Rom 2:5; Eph 4:18).
Such hardness and darkness of heart should no
longer be followed by those who have received
newness of heart in Christ:
Eph 4:17-20
(17) This I say therefore, and testify in the
Lord, that you no longer walk as other
Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
(18) Having the understanding darkened,
being alienated from the life of God
through the ignorance that is in them,
because of the blindness of their heart:
(19) Who being past feeling have given
themselves over unto licentiousness, to
work all uncleanness with greediness.
(20) But you have not so learned Christ;
CULTURE is the WAY OF LIFE AND WORLDVIEWS
SHARED BY A PEOPLE whereby they cohabit in their
community, communicate, commemorate, and
conduct themselves among themselves based on
shared convictions, concerns, customs and
consensus, or shared traditions, trends, tenets and
tendencies.
CULTURE is the shared tastes and manners,
knowledge and values, attitudes and behaviours,
symbols and languages, traditions and tenets,
trends and tendencies, customs and convictions
which are characteristics of a people.
CUSTOM is accepted or habitual practice of a
person or a people.
TRADITION is culture that has been handed down
from one generation to another.
FESTIVALS are occasions for celebrating or
commemorating an event with feasting and
festivities. How people celebrate is determined by
their values and worldviews, tradition and
tendency.
VALUES distinguish what is virtue/right/good and
what is vice/wrong/bad).
TENDENCIES arise from moral tensions and spiritual
convictions.
The Christian who has received redemption through
Christ to be in covenant relation with God has the
missionary responsibility to use the values, views
and virtues of Christ’s Heavenly Kingdom in salting
and lighting the bland and dark cultures around
him/her. Christ has taught the Christian to daily
pray, “Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed be
Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done
in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Mat 6:9-10)
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In the pluralistic and globalist world of today, the
Christian way of life, values and worldviews are
contentiously tugged at and taunted by
postmodernist worldview, existentialist ideology,
atheistic antagonism, idolatrous paganism and
materialistic secularism. The Christians is faced with
responsibility to know how to go about the “mission
of God” in CONTENDING against cultures,
CONVERTING cultures, as well as
CONTEXTUALIZING Christianity into cultures. For
instance, language is to be contextualized, some
practices and worldviews are to be converted,
others are to be contended. Why? Because Christ is
not only ABOVE culture but also the TRANSFORMER
of culture.
Humans do nothing for nothing. Every human
action or behavior whether personal or communal,
is an outward indicative sign, symptom or symbol
which connotes, expresses or manifests their
inward conviction, consideration, comprehension
FESTIVITIES
Because of their darkened mind, Wantonness,
Wickedness and Witchcraft often characterize the
unwinding, entertainment and celebration which
pagan festivities affords the community. This
exposes the futility of the pagan mind of the
nations. The Christian owes God the divine duty to
denounce such evils and correct such errors. This is
done first by being AN EXAMPLE and then by being
A REFORMER.
Rom 1:18-32
(18) For the wrath of God is revealed from
heaven against all ungodliness and
unrighteousness of men, who hold the
truth in unrighteousness;
(19) Because that which may be known of
God is manifest in them; for God has
showed it unto them.
(20) For the invisible things of him from the
creation of the world are clearly seen, being
understood by the things that are made,
even his eternal power and deity; so that
they are without excuse:
or even confusion. Therefore, our Lifestyles and
Values, Cultures and Customs are deeper than the
surface. If our Christianity is deeply convincing
within us, it would surely affect or alter our
character, culture and custom.
Cultures of the Nations are rebellious and wrath-
provoking against God because they are product of
unrighteous and reprobate wisdom (Rom 1:18-32),
futile, godless, darkened, hardened and vain minds
(Eph 4:17-19) and idolatrous or demonic
superstitious (Act 17:22).
Marriage and Funeral are two main RITES OF
PASSAGES at which Christians must inevitably
crossroads with Culture. Festivities and fashion
inevitably encompasses all and join the whole
community together. In each of these the Christian
is called to be both a Determined TRANSFORMER to
change the way things are done and a Diligent
DISCERNER to understand the issues at stake.
(21) Because, when they knew God, they
glorified him not as God, neither were
thankful; but became vain in their
imaginations, and their foolish hearts were
darkened.
(22) Professing themselves to be wise, they
became fools,
(23) And changed the glory of the
incorruptible God into an image made like
to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-
footed beasts, and creeping things.
(24) Therefore God also gave them up to
uncleanness through the lusts of their own
hearts, to dishonor their own bodies
between themselves:
(25) Who changed the truth of God into a
lie, and worshiped and served the creature
more than the Creator, who is blessed
forever. Amen.
(26) For this cause God gave them up unto
vile affections: for even their women did
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 change the natural use into that which is
against nature:
(27) And likewise also the men, leaving the
natural use of the woman, burned in their
lust one toward another; men with men
working that which is shameful, and
receiving in themselves that recompense of
their error which was fitting.
FASHION
Gentile fashion and couture are the expression and
symbolization of their vogue and vileness, their
values and views, their virtues and vices, their
vanities and vaunts. The Christian owes God and his
generation the eternal and spiritual duty of
converting, correcting and countering the cultural
fashion of his/her society, and contextualizing
Christ into the same. For Gentiles, dressing is
designed to either be respected as modest cover for
nakedness or relished as licentious display of
nakedness. On the other hand in Church, dressing
and adornment should be with reverence for
apostolic ORDER of godly modesty (Rom 12:1-2;
1Tim 2:9-10; 1Pet 3:3-5) and apostolic ORDINANCE
for angelic dignity (1Cor 11:1-5, 10-13).
MARRIAGE
All through the ages and in every culture, Marriage
Customs have always had the following necessary
stages/phases (Deut. 20:7; Matt. 1:18):
(1) First is the Convinced
Choice/Consent/Agreement at which a
Suitor and his Sought enter into the process
for Confirmation of marital intentions;
(2) Second is the
Commitment/Engagement/Betrothal at
which the Suitor-lover and his Sought-
beloved become Fiancé and Fiancée
respectively, leading to the period of formal
Courtship for preparation to marry (Deut
(28) And even as they did not like to retain
God in their knowledge, God gave them
over to a reprobate mind, to do those
things which are not proper;
…..
(32) Who knowing the judgment of God,
that they who commit such things are
worthy of death, not only do the same, but
have pleasure in them that do them.
Adornment is meant for godly beauty and dignity
(Exo 28:40-43; Job 40:10) not for worldly
decadence and dishonour. Over the years
adornment has degraded from REVEALED
dignifying decorousness to REINVENTED elegant
stylishness and now debased to REBELLIOUS
fashionable salaciousness. Today’s New Age,
“hippie” culture of fashionable nudeness is
heathenish and must never be brought into the
Church’s Angelic fellowship and heavenly worship
services. Even in the society, fashionable nudity,
salacity and decadence do not depict the
shamefaced modesty, sobriety and reverence that
Christians should be known for (1Tim 2:9-10; Tit
2:11-13; 1Pet 3:3-4). THE GODLY PURPOSE OF
DRESSING IS TO COVER NAKEDNESS FOR DIGNITY
AND DECENCY NOT FOR HEATHENISH DEBAUCHERY
OF DISPLAYING NAKEDNESS AND OBSCENE NUDITY.
22:25-28; Judg 14:7-8); PARENTAL consent
is necessary here.
(3) Third is the Covenant/Joining/Wedding
when the Fiancé–bridegroom and his
Fiancée–bride become Husband and Wife
respectively, leading to the period of
Matrimony (Married Life). The CHURCH’S
certifying witness is necessary here.
(4) Fourth are the conjugal Consummation and
then the unconditional Continuation
monogamously till death for Christians, but
others include conditionality and permit
divorce, polygamy, etc. (NOTE: Conjugal
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 intimacy is the seal of marriage covenant Traditional marriages are entered into based on
and the consummation of marriage union). traditional customary formalities. Civil marriages
are entered into based on State civil legalities. To
the Christian, traditional and civil marriages fall
WHAT MAKES A MARRIAGE TO BE CALLED short of the sublime standards learned from the
“CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE”? marriage ordinance as it was taught by Christ and
Modern times is witnessing a growing confusion His Apostles. Therefore at their best these non-
and misunderstanding of what Christian marriage is Christian marriages could only serve as civil
and what makes it different form other forms of registrations or customary betrothals and
marriages. Marriage is Christian when the couple engagements additional to or preparatory to
has covenanted or solemnized or blessed their Christian JOINING and BLESSING ordinance
UNION ACCORDING TO CHRIST’S MARRIAGE officiated by the Church.
ORDINANCE AS ESPECIALLY TAUGHT IN MATT 19 The Apostles distinguished the MARRIED COUPLES
AND 1COR 7. Christian marriage ordinance as whose marriages were in subjection to the
taught by Christ and His Apostles in the New COMMAND OF THE LORD (1Cor 7:10-11) or IN THE
Testament Scriptures implies that marriage is the LORD (1Cor 7:39) from the OTHER COUPLES whose
union of a man and a woman to remain exclusively marriages were not in subjection to the command
faithful to each other irrespective of conditions of of the Lord but based on other considerations (1Cor
life (for better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness 7:12-16). It is worthy of note that these OTHER
and in health), to love and to cherish, till parted by COUPLES were not called “married” by the
death. standards of the Church, though Christians so
It is important to note that the Church’s officiation involved should do all they could to remain in such
is not about the garments and merriments but is un-Christian unions as long as the other spouse
about pastoral guidance and ministration to assist could be retained until converted to Christ.
the couple comprehend, commit to and comply
with THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST ON MARRIAGE.

MOURNING FOR THE DEAD

Abraham mourned for Sarah (Gen. 23:2); Jacob for
Joseph (Gen 37:34, 35); the Egyptians for Jacob
(Gen 50:3-10); Israel for Aaron (Num. 20:29), for
Moses (Deut. 34:8), and for Samuel (1Sam. 25:1);
David for Abner (2Sam. 3:31-35), for Saul/Jonathan
(2Sam 1; 1Sam 31:13), and for Absalom (2Sam
18:33); Mary and Martha for Lazarus (John 11:31-
36); devout men for Stephen (Acts 8:2), etc. TO BE
SURE, The culture of feasting during funerals by
some is rather absurd and should be denounced
not copied by the Church. The Christian is to mourn
being COMFORTED with HOPE (1Thes 4:13-18) but
this does not mean to mourn with idolatry, sorcery,
revelry and feasting as others do.
LIFE AFTER DEATH
Esteem accorded the diseased and worldview on
life after death influence how the dead are
mourned. Human observation (eye & ear) and
contemplation (mind) have no access to the truth
about God’s provisions for life after death, but the
Holy Spirit has revealed these deep things to the
saints (1Cor 2:9-10). Pagan funerals are based on
blind speculations and superstitious error.
Christian funeral considerations given towards the
dead should not derive from superstition but
should be based on their spiritual status and
condition prior and sequel to their decease, as
appointed by God and revealed in the Scripture:
■ The dead in Christ are ABSENT from the body, but
their spirit-souls are immediately (Luk 23:43; Act

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7:56-60) PRESENT with Christ in heaven’s Paradise - Non-pagan funeral
(Php 1:20-24; 2Cor 5:1-10; 2Cor 12:2-4; Rev 2:7) as testimonies/tributes/dirge in
Souls, prayerfully resting under the golden altar of memory of (NOT to pray for) the
incense before God’s throne in heaven (Rev 6:9-11; diseased (2Sam 1:17-27);
Rev 8:3; Rev 9:13). - Prayers for the living (not
superstitiously for the dead or
■ The dead (“asleep” John 11:11; 1Thes 4:14) in culturally but according to the
Christ remain conscious invisible members of Scripture);
Christ’s Church as Spirits, triumphantly perfected - Contributing food, cash and
(1Thes 5:10; Heb 12:22-24) and shall be raised with other necessities to console and
glorious bodies for vindication and eternal felicity support the bereaved (Job 42:11).
when Christ comes again (John 14:1-4; Php 3:20-21;
1John 3:2-3). 2. The Bereaved and the Church should join
together in funeral worship service to God
■ The dead without Christ are detained in sheol- thus:
prison till the Day of Judgment (1Pet 3:19-20; 2Pe - Praise/Worship to God – for
2:4; Jud 1:6; Rev 20:7) when they shall rise (or be His sovereign power and
exposed) inglorious for condemnation and eternal wisdom in giving and taking
(2Sam. 12:16-24; Job 1:20-25)
torment (John 5:25-29; Rev 14:10-11; 20:11-15)
and for the consolation of the
bereaved; (Heathenish
■ The dead in Christ are no longer resting in ceremonies, rituals,
Abraham’s bosom/bay or the lower ‘paradise’ of masquerading, evil-dancing,
hades (Luk 16:22-24; Luk 23:43), as was the case talking to the deceased body,
before the Cross of Christ (Mat 27:50-54; 1Pet 3:18- invocations and such
19), nor are they still abandoned, imprisoned or necromancies should be
detained in the sheol’s lower darkness or the pit of abhorred);
nether gloom (Psa 88:3-8; Psa 143:3; 1Pet 3:19-20;).
Jesus came as the One Who was Anointed (Christ) - Testimonies/Thanksgiving –
by God to set the soul-spirits of His Saints free from for God’s gift of the life and
the pre-Christian lower sheol-prison (Isa 61:1; Luk worthy company of the
deceased (Instead of praying,
4:18; Heb 13:14) and bring them into the liberty of
“May the soul of the (faithful)
His glorious Paradise above (Rev 2:7).
departed rest in perfect peace”;
it is more biblical to pray, “For
1. The Church should show condolence to the life of the (faithful)
(NOT make demands from) the bereaved departed we thank Thee o
by: Lord”.);
- Sympathetic mourning acts – for tribute/memories of
(Job 2:11-13; Job 42:11; John the faith and worthy examples
11:33-36; Rom 12:15); of the deceased (Pro 10:7);
- Comforting words (Gen. 37:35; – for God’s grace in sparing
Matt. 2:18; 1Thes. 4:18); the living (1Thes. 5:18);
- Cheering up (John 16:33; Acts – for the hope of future victory
27:22,25,36); and eternal bliss (John
- Singing songs of comfort, hope 16:22,33; Rev. 21:3).
and thanksgiving (1Thes 5:18);

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 - Word
Ministration/Meditation – to
console the bereaved and the
grieving with the Scriptures
(1Thes 4:13-18), to exhort the
faithful, to admonish the
depraved and the unbelieving
(Eccl 7:1-5) for a better walk
with God.
- Prayers/Supplications – for
God’s grace and fortitude on
the bereaved and for mercy,
protection and salvation on
the living (but NOT for the
salvation of the dead).
3. The Deceased corpse or bones should be
safely disposed of in a proper burial (Ecc
6:3; Jer 22:19) at community cemetery or
family burial place but preferably in a
Christian cemetery as with:
- Jacob (Gen. 50:2-14);
- Sarah (Gen 23:19; 25:10);
- Rachel (Gen 35:19-20);
- Joseph (Gen 50:24-26; Josh 24:32);
- Kings of Judah (2Chron 21:20; 26:23;
28:7; 33:20)
- Jesus (Luke 23:50-58; John 19:38-42);
- Stephen (Acts 8:2).
Married Christian women belong together with
their husbands (Psa 45:10,16; Matt 19:4-6) and
should be buried with their husbands in their
husbands’ family burial grounds or husbands’
Church or community cemeteries (Gen 49:31)
NOT carried back to their maiden homes.

For more see

https://www.scribd.com/document/59439760/THE-CHRISTIAN-AND-CULTURE-Marriage-and-Funeral
and
https://www.scribd.com/document/28479877/WOMEN-S-WORSHIP-VEIL-FASHION-AND-THE-
SCRIPTURE

Updated October 29, 2018

by Ven. Dr. I. U. Ibeme
Copyright © PriscAquila Publishing, Maiduguri, Nigeria.
PriscAquila Christian Resource Centre
http://priscaquila.6te.net ; http://www.scribd.com/ifeogo